Allstate: Inflatable pools pose safety hazard to toddlers

They’re inexpensive, easy to set up and potentially deadly. Small inflatable swimming pools for toddlers can be a quick way to cool off in hot summer weather, but like many sources of pooled water like a bathtub or a bucket, they can be hazardous to young children.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 240 children under the age of five drown in swimming pools and 110 children under the age of five drown in other household products such as bathtubs, spas, buckets and man-made landscape ponds.

While larger backyard pools are usually protected by fencing and locked gates, small inflatable pools have no barriers to keep inquisitive toddlers away. Yet, even these pools generally contain about 30 gallons of water.

“A child can drown even in shallow water in the time it takes you to answer your phone or grab a towel from a hall closet,” said Chris Conner, Allstate spokesperson. “Supervision is key to preventing tragedy, especially with inflatable pools.”

Here are a few tips when using inflatable pools:

* Supervise. Infants and toddlers should always be within touching distance.

* Know CPR. Be prepared to rescue a child with life saving techniques if necessary.

* Drain and deflate. When the pool is not being used, drain the water and deflate the pool.

* Layers of protection. Follow the layers of protection rule with large inflatable pools. Set up as many barriers as possible to make it difficult for a child to get to the pool such as door alarms, fencing, safety covers and locks.

Remember, you should use these tips as guidelines in addition to your own experience and judgment based on conditions. For more information on inflatable pool safety, please contact:

* Toni Van Horn at (610) 488-5020, or visit the agency at 120 N Main St in Bernville

* LORGIA CICMANSKY at (610) 926-4900, or visit the agency at 4612 Pottsville Pike in Reading

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names. Widely known by its slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate(r),”

Allstate offers insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, as well as via www.allstate.com and

1-800 Allstate(r). As part of Allstate’s commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate employees, agency owners and the corporation provided $28 million in 2011 to thousands of nonprofit organizations and important causes across the United States.